Comtois horse

The Comtois horse is a breed that is mainly used in France and in the Swiss Jura.

Background information on the evaluation and breeding horses can be found at: exterior, interior and horse breeding.

Exterior

The relatively large head has rectangular shape and has a straight profile. The wide, from a long tuft covered forehead, spaced eyes, small ears and wide nostrils are typical characteristics of the breed. The neck is rather straight, short and muscular with flowing mane. The withers are moderately pronounced, the metacarpal straight and relatively long. The often split croup is broad and sloping, the tail is set rather low. The shoulders are long and sloping, the chest deep and spacious. The strong limbs sitting on short, muscled forearms and short tubes. The pasterns are short and the tendons strong and sturdy. The hooves are equipped with very tough horn, the lightly feathered is striking.

Interior

This breed is considered to be fearless, patient, energetic and willing.

Breeding history

A first mention of the Comtois comes from the Roman writer Publius Vegetius, which returns in his work Mulomedicina in the 4th century the origin of the Comtois on horses that were brought by the Burgundians from eastern Germany to Gallia Belgica and the shores of Lake Geneva. In the Middle Ages the Comtois was used as a warhorse, for tournaments and for pulling carts. Until 1554 it was used to improve the old race Bourguignon.

Use

The Comtois is a mountain horse that can withstand all weather conditions. In the tourist centers in the Jura, it is used as a driving force for carriage and during the summer as a work horse in the woods. In breeding, the Comtoisrasse contributes to blood regeneration in Swiss stud of race Freiberge at.